Introduction
Weddings remain one of the largest single-day expenses most people will ever pay for. In 2026, the average US wedding costs approximately $36,000, though this varies dramatically by region, guest count, and style.
This guide breaks down exactly where that money goes and provides strategies for every budget level.
Quick Answer: The average wedding costs $36,000, with venue and catering accounting for about 50% of the total budget. Weddings in major metro areas cost 30-50% more than the national average.Average Wedding Costs by Category
| Category | Average Cost | % of Budget | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | $11,000 | 30% | $3,000-$30,000+ |
| Catering (per person) | $85 | 25% | $30-$250 |
| Photography | $3,000 | 8% | $1,500-$10,000 |
| Videography | $2,200 | 6% | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Flowers & Decor | $2,800 | 8% | $500-$10,000 |
| Music/DJ | $1,500 | 4% | $500-$5,000 |
| Wedding Planner | $2,000 | 6% | $1,000-$10,000 |
| Attire (Bride + Groom) | $2,500 | 7% | $500-$8,000 |
| Invitations & Paper | $600 | 2% | $200-$2,000 |
| Hair & Makeup | $400 | 1% | $150-$1,000 |
| Transportation | $800 | 2% | $300-$3,000 |
| Officiant | $300 | 1% | $100-$1,000 |
Wedding Costs by Region
| Region | Average Total | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $48,000 | +33% |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) | $42,000 | +17% |
| South (Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville) | $32,000 | -11% |
| Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) | $30,000 | -17% |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Denver) | $33,000 | -8% |
| Rural/Small Town | $20,000-$25,000 | -30-45% |
Budget-Saving Strategies
High-Impact Savings:
- Off-season/off-day - Friday or Sunday weddings save 20-30%. January-March is cheapest.
- Reduce guest count - The single biggest lever. 100 guests vs 200 saves $10,000-$25,000.
- Non-traditional venue - Parks, restaurants, family properties cost 50-70% less than dedicated wedding venues.
- Buffet over plated - Saves $20-$50 per person (potentially $3,000-$7,500 total).
- Seasonal flowers - In-season blooms cost 30-50% less. Greenery-heavy arrangements are trendy and affordable.
- Digital invitations - Save $400-$1,500 on paper goods.
- Spotify playlist - Instead of a DJ, save $500-$1,500 (best for smaller weddings).
- Student photographers - Talented photography students charge $500-$1,500 vs $3,000+ for established pros.
- Micro wedding (20 guests): $5,000-$10,000
- Intimate (50 guests): $10,000-$20,000
- Standard (150 guests): $25,000-$40,000
- Premium (200+ guests): $40,000-$75,000+